Alexandra Meneses '83

The following bio was published in September 2024

Alexandra Estella DeAnna Meneses ‘83 has had a robust career as a film, television, and theater actor, producer, and philanthropist. She has been involved in more than 80 shows and 200 episodes of television, gaining accolades and nominations for her work from the American Comedy Award, Alma Award, Imagen Awards, New York Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, New York Film Critics Award, Austin Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Festival, and Hollywood Reel Film Festival, and more.

Alex was inspired to pursue a life on stage by her Aunt Diana, who ran a well-known and successful school of dance near Midway Airport, where Alex was raised. Starting classes at the age of three, Alex quickly learned about performance, gained confidence, and acquired a real understanding of tenacity and commitment. Those same qualities continued to be instilled in her during her time at Mother McAuley. Despite a long bus ride to and from school, it was important to her parents that she receive the best education possible. For her family, that meant sending her to McAuley. 

Classes didn’t end in summer for Alex; she studied at The Second City in downtown Chicago after finishing her summer job, and continued her education at Columbia College upon graduation from McAuley. She then moved to Italy to complete a modeling contract and ended up staying for two years. Her time in Italy came in handy during her audition for the hit comedy Everybody Loves Raymond; she booked the part, playing one of the most iconic Italian characters on television.

Alex has enjoyed many years of film, television and theater parts, and has recently launched a production company, Ooh LaLa Productions and LADDS Productions. She produced the Sundance hit documentary Damned to Heaven, a gripping look at life inside the Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and executive produced Australians Hit Hollywood, an honest look at Australians and New Zealanders who have turned themselves into prominent players in the Hollywood entertainment arena. She is currently in pre-production of a new show called Arena, which she will executive produce with Shaquille O’Neal.

Children and education are at the forefront of her philanthropic work. She has been on the Board of Trustees at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 18 years, raising tens of millions of dollars; has served as a board member for United Hope for Animals, Chicago Symphony and the Chicago Historical Society; and currently serves as a board member at the Service Club of Chicago.

Alex is especially proud to be an alumna of Mother McAuley, and in 2005, established the Alexandra Meneses Endowed Scholarship to help ensure a new generation of young women receive the best possible career and life opportunities, just as she did.

Alex’s main job now is caring for the love of her life: her daughter Stella. She cherishes and continues to enrich her relationships with her family and friends, and is honored to receive this award from a school which played such a big role in her life.